Senator Ned Nwoko has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading a united African front in the global push for reparations and repatriation, as he hosted ambassadors and representatives of African countries at a high-level consultative forum in Abuja.
The meeting, organized by the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, brought together African envoys to deliberate on how the continent can collectively address the historical injustices of slavery, colonial exploitation, and the looting of African cultural artifacts.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Senator Nwoko described the forum as an important step toward confronting Africa’s painful past and reclaiming justice through a unified voice.
“I had the honour of welcoming African Ambassadors in Nigeria to a consultative forum by the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations,” Senator Nwoko wrote.
“Together, we examined Africa’s shared historical wounds and explored unified approaches to demand restitution, repatriation, and justice for centuries of exploitation and displacement.”
He emphasized that the call for reparations is no longer a fringe issue, but one that lies at the heart of Africa’s moral and diplomatic agenda.
“Reparations are no longer a fringe conversation,” he said. “They are central to Africa’s global assertion, morally grounded and diplomatically urgent.”
Speaking to the diplomats at the event, Senator Nwoko said their presence “signifies African solidarity and a shared submission that our African continent must confront the painful legacies of the past.”
The Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, which Nwoko chairs, was established to drive Nigeria’s legislative and diplomatic efforts in advocating for justice from former colonial powers.
The committee also aims to coordinate with other African nations to build a common platform for pursuing the return of looted cultural heritage and compensation for historical injustices.
The Abuja forum marked the beginning of broader consultations across the continent, with plans for further engagement involving historians, legal experts, civil society, and traditional institutions.
Senator Nwoko stressed the importance of collective action, saying: “Africa must speak with one voice. This is not just a political mission, it is a moral imperative to restore dignity and seek justice for our people.”
The forum was widely welcomed by participating diplomats, who expressed support for the committee’s vision and pledged to collaborate closely with Nigeria in building a united African stance on reparations and repatriation.
